Special Education Teacher

About the role

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists, play a critical role in ensuring every student has access to an excellent education and a joyful, inclusive school experience. Specialists serve students with significant support needs, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, and communication or behavioral challenges.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that all students work toward and achieve the rigorous academic goals outlined in their IEPs, aligned with Common Core standards and Rocketship’s core content; our goal is that each Rocketeer grows at least 1.5 years.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction, as well as push-in and pull-out support, to ensure students access to grade-level content as outlined in their IEPs.
• Co-teach with general education teachers to model and uphold accommodations, modifications, and meaningful inclusion in the classroom.
• Partner with paraprofessionals to ensure consistent, high-quality support for students across settings.
• Own and manage an IEP caseload aligned with state regulations, ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law.
• Draft and write professional, compliant IEPs; facilitate IEP meetings; and maintain accurate, up-to-date records in the IEP system.
• Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers (e.g., speech, OT) to interpret assessments and ensure students receive appropriate services.
• Communicate with families and team members on IEP goals, accommodations, and student progress.
• Approach behavior with the mindset that all behaviors communicate a need, and partner with students, families, and school staff to develop responsive supports such as Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Apply strategies, including principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), to promote positive student behavior and create supportive learning environments.
• Partner with families through IEP meetings, regular communication, and home visits to ensure transparency and shared ownership of student growth.
• Uphold the highest standards of compliance with IDEA and state law, ensuring that all IEPs and services meet both legal and instructional expectations.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented staff culture where collaboration ensures every student has access to an excellent education.

Qualifications

• Hold a B.A./B.S. degree from an accredited institution.
• Must hold Valid Practitioner License with a 144–145 Special Education Interventionist Endorsement upon hire.
• Maintain active and in-good-standing credential status throughout employment with Rocketship.
• At least 2 years of experience working with children in special education, behavioral support, or related settings.
• Background or understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles.
• Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices.

Skills

• Growth-oriented, eager to learn from feedback and coaching, and committed to ongoing professional development.
• Experienced in supporting diverse learners.
• Collaborative and eager to build case management expertise.
• Experienced in behavior supports, with a background or understanding of basic ABA principles.
• Equity-driven and resilient, committed to meaningful inclusion and closing opportunity gaps for students with disabilities.

Benefits

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.

Pay

$54,448 - $86,260 a year

Schedule

N/A

Location

Rocketship United Academy - 320 Plus Park Blvd, Nashville, TN 37207